MECHANICAL DESIGN of TRANSMISSION LINE

Introduction
The mechanical design of this transmission line includes pole structure,
wind load pressure, sag and the tensions on the conductor and also the
guy wires. Some details on the line insulators and the line accessories are
further discussed in this part.
Determination of Conductor Sag and Tension in Overhead Lines:
While erecting an overhead line, it is very important that conductors
are safe tension. If the conductors are too much stretched between
supports in a bid to save conductor material, the stress in the conductor
may reach unsafe value and in certain cases the conductor may break
due to excessive tension. In order to permit safe tension in the
conductors, they are not fully stretched but are allowed to have a dip or
sag.
The difference in level between points of supports and the lowest point
on the conductor is called sag.
Conductor Sag and Tension:
This is an important consideration in the mechanical design of
overhead lines. The conductor sag should be kept to a minimum in order
to reduce the conductor material required and to avoid extra pole height
for sufficient clearance above ground level. It is also desirable that tension
in the conductor should be low to avoid mechanical failure of conductor
and to permit the use of less strong supports. However, low conductor
tension and minimum sag are not possible. It is because low sag means a
tight wire and high tension, whereas a low means a loose wire and

increased sag. Therefore, in actual pratise, a compromise in made

between the two.
Loadings:
The strength to be designed into a transmission line depends to a large
extent on wind and ice loads that may be imposed on the conductor,
overhead ground wire and supporting structure.
When selecting appropriate design loads, the engineer should evaluate
climatic conditions, previous line operation experience and the
importance of the line to the system. Conservative load assumptions
should be made for a transmission line which is the only tie to important
load centers.
Wind load and wind pressure affecting the tension of the line:
Formula:
Wind load = p x [D/12]
Where:
p = wind pressure lb/ft
p = 0.00256 (V)2 KzGRFCf
For Basic Wind Speed 200 km /hr considering the Transmission Line is at
zone II
*the value for basic wind speed came from the New Wind Load Provisions
in Philippine Structural Code shown in the image below.

Where
Kz = velocity pressure exposure coefficient
Kz = 2.01(h/900)(2/9.5)

Where h = height of the wire at the structure and is between 33 feet and
900 feet
h = 30 + 0.3 (KV) = 30 +0.3(345kv) = 133.5 ft

Kz = 2.01 x

133.5 2 /9.5
= 1.34
900

V = basic wind speed

V = 124.27 miles/hr
GRF = gust response factor
GRF= 0.70 (for 750 to 1000 span length in ft.)

Cf = the force coefficient = 1.0 for stranded wires

D = diameter of wire
* The constants found here are all based on the Electrical Engineering
Handbook tables for corresponding data.
Solution:
P = 0.00256 (124.27)2(1.34)(0.70)(1.0)
P = 37.08 lb/ft2
Wind load
WW=

PxD
lb/ft
12

WW=

37.08 x 1.213
lb/ft
12

W W =3.74 lb/ft

Conductor Load
From Table, The conductor ORTOLAN w/ a cross sectional area of 1033 Kcmil,
the nominal weight is 1165/1000 ft.

W C=

1165
1000

W C =1.165 lb

/ft

Effective Weight of Conductor Considering the Wind Load

W T = W C 2 +W W 2 lb/ft

W T = 1.1652+ 3.742 lb/ ft

W T =3.91lb/ ft

Calculation of Sag and Tension

In an overhead line, the sag should be adjusted that in the conductors
is within safe limits. The tension is governed by conductor weight, effects of
wind, ice loading and temperature variations. It is standard practice to keep
conductor tension less than 50 % of its ultimate tensile strength i.e.
minimum factor of safety in respect to conductor should be 2. We shall now

calculate sag and tension of a conductor when (i) supports are at equal level
(ii) supports are at unequal levels.
(i)

When supports are at equal level

Consider a conductor between two equilevel supports A and B with O as the

lowest point is shown in the Fig. It can be proved that the lowest point will be
at the mid span.
L = Length of span
W = Weight per unit length of conductor
T = tension in the conductor

Sag, S =

w l2
8T

The sag is as result of the tensioning of the line and must not be too
low otherwise the safety clearances may not be met. Also, the sag had to be
such that it caters for ice loading in the winter of temperate climates. If the
sag is large, and the line becomes heavily loaded, then the sag will further
increase and branch the safety clearances. Similarity, if the sag is low, then
when the line contracts in the winter, low sag will indicate a high tension,
and as a result of this contraction, the line may snap.
Required Clearances:
1. Clearance of conductors passing by buildings
2. Minimum clearances of conductors above ground or rails
3. Crossing clearances of wires carried of wires carried on different
supports
4. Horizontal clearances at support between line conductors based on
sag.
Working Tension
Given:
Conductor Name = ORTOLAN
Ultimate Strength = 27,700 lb
Safety Factor = 2
L = 250 m 820.21 ft. span length

T=

Ultimate Strength
Safety factor

T=

27700
2

= 13850lb

Sag of Conductor

a. Consider conductor load only

W C x L2
Sag=
8 xT

Sag=

1.165 x 820.212
8 x 13850

Sag=7.07 ft

For bundling
Sag = 7.07 ft x 2
Sag = 14.14 ft. or 4.3 m
b. Consider both conductor and wind load
W T x L2
Sag=
8 xT
3.91 x 820.212
Sag=
8 x 13850
Sag T =23.74 ft

This is the slant sag in a direction making an angle with the

vertical, where value of is given by:
Ww
3.74
1
1
= tan- W c = tan- 1.165 = 72.74o
(ii)

When supports are unequal levels

In hilly areas, we generally come across conductors suspended

between supports at unequal levels. Fig. shows a conductor
suspended between supports A and B which at different levels. The
lowest point of the conductor is O.
Let
l = Span Length
h = Difference in levels between two supports
x1 = Distance of supports at lower level
x2 = Distance of supports at higher level
T = Tension
S1 = Sag using distance X1
S2 = Sag using distance X2

Calculations:
Span 820.12 ft
X1 + X2 = 820.12;
X1 = 820.12 - X2

For h = 20 ft (to assume that theres a distance difference level of the 2

towers)

h=

WC
( X 2 X 12 )
2 xT 2

20=

1.165
2
2
X 2 ( 820.12X 2 ) )
(
2 x 13850

20 x

2 x 13850
=( X 22820.122+1640 X 2X 22 )
1.165

X 2=700 ft

X 1=820.12X 2 ft

X 1=820.12700=120.12 ft

S 1=

W C x X 12 1.165 x 120.122
=
2 xT
2 x 13850

s 1=6.225 ft

W C x X 22 1.165 x 700 2
S 2=
=
2 xT
2 x 13850

S 2=20.60 ft

LINE SUPPORTS
The supporting structure for overhead line conductors are various type
of pole towers called line supports. In general, the line support should have
the following properties:
a. High mechanical strength to withstand the weight of conductor and
b.
c.
d.
e.

wind loads etc.

Light in weight without the loss of mechanical strength
Cheap in cost and economical to maintain.
Longer life.
Easy accessibility of conductors for maintenance.
The line supports used for transmission and distribution of electric

power are of various types including wooden poles, steel poles, RCC poles,
and lattice steel towers. The choice od supporting structure for a particular
case depends upon the line span, cross-sectional area, line voltage, cost and
local conditions.
Steel Poles. The steel poles are often used as a substitute for wooden
poles. They possess greater mechanical strength, longer life and permit
longer spans to be used. Such poles are generally used for distribution
purposes in the cities. This type of supports need galvanized or painted in
order to prolong its life. The steel poles are three types., (i)rail poles (ii)
tubular poles and (iii)rolled steel joints.
Spacing and Clearance
1. Vertical Clearance - NESCode 232 Vertical Clearance (Above Ground,
Roadway, Rail or Water Suface)

Ground clearance required for a 345KV transmission voltage is 48 ft.

2. Spacing of Phase Conductors
S = 27.3 ft
3. Space between OHGW and Top Phase Conductor
Standard 1m for Neutral to top phase conductor = 3.28ft
Pole Structure:
Pole Height:
H = 30 + 0.30(Kv)
H = 30 + 0.30(345)
H = 133.5 ft.
At Tension = T = 13,850 lbs
Where:
H1 = height starting from the ground to the 1st phase conductor
H2 = height starting from the ground to the 2nd phase conductor

H3 = height starting from the ground to the 3rd phase conductor

H4 = height starting from the ground to the OHGW
H1 = 133.5 27.3 27.3 3.28 = 75.62 ft
H2 = 75.62 ft + 27.3 = 102.92 ft
H3 = 75.62 ft + 54.6 = 130.22 ft
H4 = 75.62 ft + 57.68 = 133.5 ft
Mass:
Where:
M = T1H1 + T2H2 + T3H3 + [(10% x T)(H4)]
M = [(13850) (75.62+ 102.92 + 130.22)] + (0.1) (13,850)(133.5)
M = 4,465,378 lb-ft = 53,584,542 lb-in
Circumference (c) bottom:
Where s = ultimate fiber stress using 46,350.36 lb/ in2
C=

M
53,584,542
3
=
0.00026386S
0.0002638646,350.36
C=163.63

Butt Diameter:
C 163.63
Butt Diameter= =
=54.54

Butt Diameter = 54.54 in x

12
1 ft

Top Diameter:
Ratio of the top to bottom is 0.60

1m
3.28 ft

= 1.38 m

Top Diameter = 0.6 x 54.54 in.

Top Diameter= 32.72 in
12
1 ft

Top Diameter = 32.72 in x

1m
3.28 ft

= 0.83 m

Pole Circumference, Top:

C = top diameter x
C = 32.72 x
C = 102.8 in.
Taper
Taper=

Taper=

C bottom C top
60

163.63102.8
=1.01
60

Projected Area:
D
( top+ Dbutt ) x 2 x LPole x 12
A=
A= (54.54 +32.72 ) (2)(133.5)(12)
A=279,581.04 ft 2

POLE SETTING DEPTHS

It is indicated that the 10% of the total length of the pole above the
ground is depth of the portion of the pole to be on the ground.
The total length of pole above the ground is 133.5 ft. so the 10% of the
133.5 ft pole is 13.35 ft pole.

The additional 13.35 ft will be the depth of the pole to be under the
ground. These giving the total length of the pole to:
H = 133.5 + 13.35
H = 146.85 ft.
CORNER POLE:
The Angle 30 & 40 of two cables
Since T1 = T2 = 13,850 Kg is already computed

Fv=0
Vertical Force:
Fv = T1 Sin 30 T2 Sin 40
Fv=13,850 Sin 30 13,850 Sin 40
Fv= -1977.60
Horizontal Force:
Fh = T1 Cos 30 T2 Cos 40
Fh = 13,850 Cos 30 - 13,850 Cos 40
Fh = 1384.74

Resultant Force:
R= F h 2+ Fv 2
R= (1977.6)2 +(1384.74)2

R=2,414.2 0

Angle:

=tan 1

Fv
Fh

=tan 1

1384.74
1977.6

=35

GUY WIRES
The various grades of guy strand are almost universally furnished in
accordance with ASTM specifications. The ultimate strength for each size
and grade is given. The so-called double galvanized is commonly used. In
transmission construction a factor of safety of 2 is general for guys,
although this may be somewhat reduced.
GUY REQUIREMENT: IEEE C2-1997 (EE Handbook pp(18-66))
Distance dig from the pole not less than or more than 1 to 1 of the
height of the guy attachment.
GUY WIRE TENSIONS
D = 0.551 x H
D = 0.551 (146.85)
D= 80.91 ft
Length of guy
L1 = D 2 + H 2
L1= 80.912+ 75.822
L1=110.88 ft

L2 = D 2 + H 2
L2= 80.912+ 103.02
L2=130.99 ft

L3 = D 2 + H 2
L3= 80.912+ 130.222
L3=153.30 ft

L4 = D 2 + H 2
L4= 80.912 +133.5
L4=156.10 ft

DESIGN DATA FOR GUYS

According to the guy requirements, for dead ends, the allowable
stressed must be less than 66.67% of the ultimate strength of the guy
used.

Guy at Phase Conductors

Siemens-Martin grade Guy
Plow Steel
Diameter of 3/4 inch
26,200 lbs Nominal Breaking Strength

Guy at Static Wire

Siemens-Martin grade Guy
Mild Plow Steel
Diameter of 3/4
35,900 lbs Nominal Breaking Strength